Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, December 21, 2008.
What is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday lasting eight days
Tell Me More!
Also known as "The Festival of Lights" - Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish Maccabbees' military victory over the Greek-Syrians and the rededication of the second Temple. Upon their victory, the Maccabbees discovered the Syranians had defiled the oil that was needed to burn the Temple's menorah, which was supposed to burn without interruption. There was only enough oil to last for one day. But it miraculously burned for eight days and eight nights, at which time more purified oil was available. That is the miracle of Hanukkah.
How is Hanukkah Celebrated?
Lighting the Menorah is the central observance of Hanukkah. One candle is lit the first night, and an additional candle is lit each successive night. Thus, on the last night of Hanukkah, all eight candles on the Menorah are lit.
While lighting the candles, prayers are recited. After lighting the candles, families (and often invited guests) eat, exchange gifts, and play games.
Traditional Hanukkah food is cooked in oil to commemorate the oil that burned for eight days. Latkes (otherwise known as potato pancakes) are a Hanukkah favorite.
What is the correct spelling of Hanukkah?
Good question! There are several "right" answers including:
Hanukkah
Chanukkah
Chanukah
Why Doesn't Hanukkah Always Occur on the Same Eight Days?
Jewish holidays follow the Hebrew calendar, and Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of the month of Kislev. This occurs at some point during the month of December and occasionally starts at the end of November.
Is Hanukkah the Jewish Equivalent of Christmas?
No, Hanukkah has nothing to do with Christmas. It just falls around the same time of year.
What Is a Dreidel?
A dreidel is a four-sided spinning top that has a Hebrew letter on each side. It is traditional for children play a game with the dreidel during Hanukkah.
I hope I've helped to answer most of your Hanukkah questions. If not - ask your question below and Hanukkah Harry will try to answer.
Happy Hanukkah!
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 13
Jersey Joe asks: Why are gifts exchanged on Channukkahh?
Hanukkah Harry answers: The tradition of exchanging a gift on each night of Hanukkah is fairly recent. Some call it "Christmas Envy". Since Christians exchange gifts at Christmas, Jews have come to exchange gifts other than coins at Hanukkah, which comes at around the same time of the year.
Kelldogg - I make a mean Matzoball soup. I'll bring some to your house on the last night of Hanukkah!
Dorine asks: Are any foods typically associated with Hanukkah?
Hanukkah Harry answers: Dorine, no Jewish holiday would be complete without Jewish food! On Hanukkah, we eat delicious potato latkes (otherwise known as potato pancakes) and donuts. Come to think of it, anything drenched in oil will do the trick for a Hanukkah celebration. (Thanks for helping Harry with that one Maurice!)
HAPPY HANUKKAH EVERYONE!